Beauty's confidence up after pageant win

CROWNED: Former Masterton woman Levana Hampson, 23, is looking forward to serving the community as Miss Manawatu 2014. PHOTO/KEVIN BILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

When one of the other girls in the Miss Manawatu pageant was called as runner-up Levana Hampson's first thoughts were "oh well, there goes my chance".

But moments later, the former Chanel College student was stunned when her name was called and she was crowned Miss Manawatu 2014.

The 23-year-old said she had only hoped to make it into the top five.

"It was crazy. It wasn't expected. I was set on making it to the top five and thought it would be just perfect to be runner-up ... they said my name and I didn't click for a few seconds. I just stood there. I never expected it."

Her view of beauty pageants wasn't that great before Miss Manawatu organiser Kate Balfour walked into the Palmerston North Shoe Clinic where Miss Hampson worked and asked her to enter the competition.

In fact when she was asked she said in return: "Why are you short on contestants?"

"I had reservations at first. I'd always thought pageants were a bit showy. That the girls think a lot of themselves but it's not like that. I found it good for growth and bonding with the other girls.

"I've always been confident in who I am but it gave me confidence to speak in public ... I found it really down to earth and genuine."

For the next year Miss Hampson will serve her community at events as she makes a decision on whether to enter the Miss New Zealand pageant.

"It's an option."

Her Masterton parents, Deb and Pete Hampson, are over the moon with their daughter's success on stage.

Mrs Hampson said as a child Levana gave up dance class because she heard she'd have to perform on stage at the end of the year function.

"No way was she going on stage."

Miss Hampson's Palmerston North bosses Christine and Nigel Hart are stoked with her success as well.

"Honestly, it was a shock on the night but not unexpected," Mr Hart said. "She is such a delight to have around. Not only is she beautiful, she has an inner beauty ... she is always in the same mood and is just fabulous with customers. We are both very pleased for her."